Does Your Car Need Its Own App Store?

from the apptastic dept

Fri, Mar 18th 2011 12:40pm — Mike Masnick

Many years back, I remember hearing Jonathan Schwartz (before he was CEO of Sun) predict that one day people would buy "horntones" for their cars, the same way they bought ringtones for their mobile phones. While we haven't quite reached that point yet, it appears that people may soon be buying "apps" for their cars. Slashdot points us to the news that Tesla has announced that (as many predicted) the giant touchscreen console on its Tesla S sedan will have support for third-party apps. Don't like the stereo interface? Download a new one. Want a program that provides you better analytics on your driving habits? Download it. While I'm still pretty skeptical about the appification of everything, I am intrigued by the idea of being able to customize a car via apps. The real question is if there will really be enough demand to make it worthwhile for developers... and if this means that we're going to face another standards battle as people try to standardize what in-dash apps look like.

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team

Filed Under: app store, cars
Companies: tesla

33 Comments

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in...

Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread

ComputerAddict (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 12:45pm

One Day Closer to the fake GM press release on what cars would be like if "they kept pace with microsoft"

Some Highlights:
1. For no reason at all, your car would crash twice a day.
4. When your car died on the freeway for no reason, you would just accept this, restart and drive on.
9. The airbag would say 'Are you sure?' before going off.
10. Occasionally, for no reason, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed the radio antenna.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
el_segfaulto (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 12:48pm

Not gonna fly
I seriously doubt this will catch on with indie developers. The problem is that there is simply too much danger of screwing something up, and doing that in the Litigious States of America is a death sentence. What's to stop a motorist from suing because the app was flashing in a way that caused him to take his eyes off of the road? What if somebody downloads a speedometer app and sues because it was faulty and they got a ticket. I've seen far too many shoddy developers on iOS and Android to ever trust them near my car.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Hephaestus (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 12:57pm

Re:
Damn you beat me to that.

So time for serious. Does this actually allow for control of the acceleration, braking, steering, shifting (if electric cars shift). I could think of a ton of nasty things to do if they two systems display and control overlapped.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Another User, 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:04pm

You would have to now worry about police when your car does the famous windows error "your system has performed an illegal operation".
[ link to this | view in thread ]
ComputerAddict (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:08pm

Re:
I Like the ability when you get pulled over to pull up some faultly dashboard skin and be like "sorry Officer I really dont know how fast I was going, the Speedometer is still in the devel. branch and not really working yet. I promise to do the speed limit as soon as a stable release is available.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
ComputerAddict (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:09pm

Re: Re:
Although It would be a lot easier for progressive to implement their blackbox driving monitors... "Just download this app to save 'up to' 30% on your car insurance"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Gwiz (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:11pm

This is bad
There is already way too many distractions for drivers as it is.

What we really DON'T need is a entertainment center in the middle of the dashboard making it worse.

"I'm really sorry officer, I had to water my crops in Farmville and didn't see that other car in front of me, in my own lane."
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Christopher Gizzi (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:15pm

Re: Re:
I think it could work.

One, cars are closed systems so its attractive to some (not to others, of course).

Two, most people would see this as a platform investment like Android vs iOS and like a brand association like Benz vs BMW.

Three, the car customization market is HUGE; the demand to modify a car (including software) is established and strong.

Fourth, every car made today is run by software so this shouldn't be a huge stretch.

As for whether or not the apps could compete for essential system resources that control acceleration, braking, steering, & shifting, see my third point.

I've actually thought about replacing the chips in my cars. But I haven't wanted to get under the dashboard to do it. If I could install an app that would let me change the traction control programs, shift timings, and throttle control with an app, I'd love it.

Granted, I understand that in a closed ecosystem apps can be controlled and the controllers might not want to allow apps that could have an effect on warranties. But because the aftermarket is so strong, I can see this happening - even if it isn't sanctioned with new cars.

Now I have to start working on the in-dash computer/radio/nav system that interfaces with the on-board computers so I can build that 3rd party app ecosystem. #BusinessIdea
[ link to this | view in thread ]
:Lobo Santo (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:21pm

Re: This is bad
Meh. One half step closer to having driverless cars on the road.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
letherial (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:27pm

Re: Not gonna fly
I agree with you, however, i think it will be attempted until the lawsuits roll in.

One thing i dont want is a personalized horn, it would be the day it was launched that the rednecks with there big ass trucks will be running around playing some stupid half done country song through there new horn sound.

Fun for children, annoying for everyone else.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
letherial (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:28pm

Re: Re: This is bad
maybe we should work on the driverless cars first, then we can worry about farmville for cars.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
:Lobo Santo (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:28pm

Re: Re: Re:
No car manufacturer in their right mind would give developers any access to physical hardware of the car--which means gear-ratios, brakes, shifting, air/fuel mix, whatnot would (should) never be accessible in such a manner, lest the manufacturer be sued.

We all know the rule--sue the person/company which is peripherally involved and has the most money.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Lyle Verbilion, 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:40pm

horntones have been around forever
Doesn't every Dukes of Hazard wannabe have Dixie play when they hit the horn?
I recall hearing Tequila as well...
Maybe someday we'll be able to change the carburetion of our engines automatically when we go over the mountains. I'm just saying.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Atkray (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:47pm

Re: This is bad
That's ridiculous, you use the app that waters your crops for you.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:53pm

Re:
With the PoliceFinder app you can avoid meeting up with them in the first place.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:54pm

Text and drive? HELL NO

Be able to check Facebook, E-mail, and play Angry Birds right from your car's dash? HELLZ YEA.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2011 @ 1:56pm

Great idea
Being able to customize your in-car entertainment is a great idea. I knew I always liked Tesla, wish I could afford one.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Josef Anvil (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 2:47pm

Re: Re: Re: Cart before the horse
I've watched Tesla Motors for about the past 5 years and their product is absolutely amazing. That said, if you've ever talked to anyone about their electric cars you would probably be equally amazed at the responses you hear.

While I personally haven't done a scientific study, I can say that more often than not, most people have a oddly low opinion of electric cars. The first thing you will hear is "What is the range?" Even if you can show that the range is well over 200 miles per charge, the next question you will hear is "What do I do if it runs out of charge?"

The most amazing objection I've heard is the fear of running out of charge. It would appear there is a huge mental transaction when it comes to electricity vs gasoline, because most of us don't think much of our cars running out of gasoline.

The point is that speculating as to whether or not there is an app market for this type of car is extraordinarily premature, since the car itself needs to gain some traction.

Something tells me that the lobbyists for the auto industry don't want to see any cars on the road anytime soon that need servicing every 100k miles and don't have all the belts and other combustion engine parts that wear out so often. Apps are hardly the biggest concern here.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2011 @ 3:02pm

Re:
>> 9. The airbag would say 'Are you sure?' before going off.

that one MR Addict is priceless
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Colin, 18 Mar 2011 @ 3:13pm

It is already here
As with most vehicles these days the computer already runs the the whole show.
My Volvo gets hooked up to their network for diagnosis but it can also do everything from changing the dimming of the rear-view mirror to adjusting the transmission shifting.
It can download updates and turn on or off features.
It is also quite proprietary so they have you by the short and curlies every time you want any service done.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 3:19pm

Re:
And every fifteen minutes or so, you'd be asked:

"Would you like to take a moment to register your vehicle?"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
colin, 18 Mar 2011 @ 3:26pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Cart before the horse
"It would appear there is a huge mental transaction when it comes to electricity vs gasoline, because most of us don't think much of our cars running out of gasoline."

Until there is an electrical recharge station every couple of miles that will give you a fill-up in a couple of minutes that will not change.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2011 @ 3:51pm

There is a commercial running on TV now...
...which shows someone checking the status of their Buick Lacrosse and then starting it up for their grateful teenage daughter (who is borrowing the car).

Now...given that we live in a world where smart phones are routinely hacked, voice and data networks are 0wned and spewing abuse, malware is rampant and far, far ahead of the capabilities of defenders, security companies are much more about hype than substance, and the world's dominant operating system is a sophomoric piece of crap that would and should be laughed out of any competent operation....

What could possibly go wrong?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Hephaestus (profile), 18 Mar 2011 @ 6:40pm

Re: Re: Re: Re:
I remember seeing a commercial on TV about OnStar being able to start the car remotely and unlock it. I thought "WTF! what if someone hacks OnStar? Can they also can shut down a car? Can they shut down most of the cars in the US? Can they upgrade OnStar remotely and make all the cars in the US randomly accelerate?"

This should frighten you more than that. GM's OnStar, Ford Sync, MP3, Bluetooth Possible Attack Vectors for Cars.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 19 Mar 2011 @ 3:38am

http://www.itworld.com/security/139794/with-hacking-music-can-take-control-your-car

This might be relevant...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 19 Mar 2011 @ 7:48am

Public performance?
So honking your horn would cost you every time then? Gotta pay for the public performance of that copyrighted horntone.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Josef Anvil (profile), 19 Mar 2011 @ 8:50am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cart before the horse
Admittedly the time involved in recharging an electric car is a HUGE hurdle to overcome. Solar kits are one solution and allow for the car to charge as its driving or just sitting parked, but are hardly a complete solution.

The thought that there needs to be "filling station" every couple of miles is another one of those things that people can't get there heads around. With an electric car, you need an OUTLET. There seem to be plenty of those around.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 19 Mar 2011 @ 10:20am

Re: This is bad
You could be right, what if someone could hack your car from a music CD?
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2382188,00.asp
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Emilio, 20 Mar 2011 @ 7:37am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Cart before the horse
"The most amazing objection I've heard is the fear of running out of charge. It would appear there is a huge mental transaction when it comes to electricity vs gasoline, because most of us don't think much of our cars running out of gasoline."

...and the reason for that is because of the amount of time involved in an electric 'fill-up'. This whole thing only really takes off when super-capacitors allow you to stop and get a full charge in no more time than it now takes for gas...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 20 Mar 2011 @ 1:34pm

Re:
When your car died on the freeway for no reason, you would just accept this, restart and drive on.
This one's already real. A bus I was on started beeping and losing engine power while on the freeway. The driver pulled into the emergency lane, stopped, and turned the vehicle fully off; then he restarted the engine, got back onto the freeway, and finished the route.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
John D (profile), 20 Mar 2011 @ 2:48pm

Saab is doing this
Saab's new in-car 'infotainment' platform will be based on Android, and will give developers read-only access to 'over 500 sensors' in the car...which is awesome. In fact, this would make me replace my current Saab with a new one over something else.

http://newsroom.saab.com/news/news/worldfirstfromsaabsaabiqonopeninnovationincarinfotainmen t.5.741c75ab12da7f448807ffe719.html
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Hephaestus (profile), 21 Mar 2011 @ 6:45am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cart before the horse
Solar cells on the cars, even if 100% efficient, would only put out 3-4 kw, on a sunny day. So charging while driving isn't really a workable solution.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Car Apps, 23 Jul 2011 @ 9:53am

Car Apps and Car Applications
The idea of an in car app store is upon us. Car manufacturers are inviting applications from software companies who make third party applications which can be tailored to enhance current models.
Should the manufacturers have failed to accept use of third party software, they were in serious danger of being overwhelmed by third party apps aimed at their cars which bypass the manufacturers. If after exhaustive testing and the car application does not cause problems with the cars own security and engine management system, everyone wins - software company, the manufacturer and of course the customer.
[ link to this | view in thread ]